English Reference

Word

redeeming

Phoneticsre·deem·ing

US/ɹɪˈdimɪŋ/

UK/ɹɪdˈiːmɪŋ/

Definition

adj. describing a good quality that makes up for other bad qualities in a person or thing. You use this when someone has many faults but one good point that saves them.

adj. serving to offset or compensate for faults, defects, or negative characteristics. Often used in the phrase 'redeeming feature' or 'redeeming quality' to identify a singular merit in an otherwise flawed subject.

Examples

“His sense of humor is his only redeeming quality.”

“The movie was quite boring, but the beautiful scenery was its one redeeming feature.”

“While the protagonist is initially presented as selfish and cruel, his sudden act of bravery in the final act provides a redeeming moment that complicates the audience's moral judgment.”

Examples

simple

“His sense of humor is his only redeeming quality.”

contextual

“The movie was quite boring, but the beautiful scenery was its one redeeming feature.”

complex

“While the protagonist is initially presented as selfish and cruel, his sudden act of bravery in the final act provides a redeeming moment that complicates the audience's moral judgment.”

Usage

Typically used attributively before a noun like 'feature', 'quality', or 'factor'.

This entry

Level
B2 · Upper Intermediate
Frequency
Occasional
Updated

Scan code

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English Reference